STEINBACH, September 22, 2006 A new apartment complex in Steinbach opened today creating more affordable housing for low- to moderate-income Manitobans. The apartments will also be accessible for people with disabilities. The project is being supported with more than $1.5 million from the Canada Manitoba Affordable Housing Initiative (AHI). The Honourable Vic Toews, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development and Doug Martindale, MLA for Burrows, on behalf of the Honourable Gord Mackintosh, Minister of Manitoba Family Services and Housing and Minister responsible for the Manitoba Housing and Renewal Corporation announced the grand opening today. The new project has been led by Eden East Inc. and is located at 151 Penfeld Dr. in Steinbach. "These new, fully accessible apartments will provide quality, affordable accommodations for those residents of Steinbach who need it most," said Minister Toews. "Through projects such as this one, Canada's new Government is helping to build strong communities that will benefit Manitobans now and in the future." "We are pleased more affordable, quality housing for low- and moderate-income Manitobans is now available, especially since all of these apartments are also accessible for people with mobility limitations," said Martindale. "We acknowledge the valued ideas and direction from Eden East in bringing this much-needed project to completion." Total costs for the 24 unit apartment project are estimated at about $2.7 million. Up to 12 of the new apartment units will be designated for low-income households and will receive funding from the AHI Rent Supplement program which means rents are geared to the income of the tenant. The new apartments include 15 one-bedroom units and nine, two-bedroom apartments and the rents are considered affordable and will be at median market rent levels for rural Manitoba. "We are grateful for the funding from the governments of Canada and Manitoba, for the generous contributions from the local community and we acknowledge the South East Regional Health Authority for their support," said Dr. Paul Peters, Chairperson of Eden East Inc. "These new apartments will add to our holistic approach to meeting the mental health and social needs of people in this community." The governments of Canada and Manitoba will each contribute $36.9 million to the Affordable Housing Initiative in Manitoba, demonstrating a commitment to increasing the supply of affordable housing in Manitoba. It is anticipated that contributions from municipalities, the private and voluntary sectors, co-operatives and charities will further add to the value of both government's commitment. For further information, please contact: Kimberlee JonesCanada Mortgage and Housing Corporation403-515-3048 John B. ThorpeCommunications Services Manitoba204-945-6778 Backgrounder Canada Manitoba Affordable Housing Agreement First Phase:The governments of Canada and Manitoba signed the Affordable Housing Initiative in 2002. The first phase provided federal funding of $25.39 million with matching contributions of $25.39 million from the Province of Manitoba and community-based housing partners. This agreement provided funding for a new rental housing-supply program, a rehabilitation/conversion program, a new homebuyer down-payment program and a home ownership-supply program. Second Phase:The second phase increased the total current investment commitments by $23.08 million by 2010. This is equally shared by Canada and Manitoba for: a new rental housing-supply program to increase the amount of new rental affordable housing for low-income renters; a rehabilitation/conversion housing program to rehabilitate severely deteriorated properties into rental or ownership affordable housing for low-income households; a homebuyer down-payment assistance program to help low-income renters become first-time homebuyers of new or recently renovated affordable housing developed under Affordable Housing programs and; a new homeownership supply program to increase homeownership by encouraging construction of new housing in targeted urban revitalization and remote areas. As well, federal assistance is increased to 50 per cent of capital costs to a maximum of $75,000 per unit. The units are expected to remain affordable and be occupied by low-income households for a minimum of 10 years. Phase II is targeted to people on or eligible to be on a social-housing waiting list. Other Government of Canada Housing Support in Manitoba: The Government of Canada annually supports housing with approximately $113.1 million in grants, contributions and subsidies which primarily serve some 43,200 lower-income families, seniors, persons with disabilities, Aboriginal people and victims of domestic violence. This includes funds for renovations under the Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program (RRAP), Home Adaptations for Seniors' Independence (HASI), Emergency Repair Program (ERP) and the Shelter Enhancement Program (SEP). Other Government of Manitoba Housing Support Programs: The Government of Manitoba offers programs to help lower-income households maintain, buy or rent safe, adequate and affordable housing. The province provides annual grants and subsidies through the Manitoba Housing and Renewal Corporation for non-profit and co-operative housing organizations to help develop project proposals for affordable housing for seniors, persons with disabilities and persons with low incomes. It supports the provision of private-sector financing for affordable housing projects developed and delivered by non-profit organizations and also provides grants and loans for home repairs. The Affordable Housing Initiative complements existing renovation and repair programs including the Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program (RRAP). Manitoba cost-shares RRAP, the Home Adaptations for Seniors' Independence Program, the Emergency Repair Program and the Shelter Enhancement Program with the federal government. The Manitoba government delivers the federal/provincial cost-shared programs as well as the provincially funded Homeowner Emergency Loan Program.
